Foolscap Reading Group
Our book for 2010: His Majesty’s Dragon
This year’s Reading Group will explore His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novak. In this first of a series, Novak has twisted history by not only making dragons “real” during the Napoleonic Period, but putting them to work as aerial fighters. When a British Naval Captain finds himself the holder of a captured dragon egg, his life is turned upside down, and the standard of dragon warfare in England will never be the same. Joining the Group is easy: Get a copy of the book, read it, and come to the discussion at Foolscap!
Background: The Foolscap Reading Group
Reading groups are usually monthly events where a group of people all read a previously agreed upon book, then meet to discuss the book and socialize. Formal groups meet at libraries and the book list is chosen by a small group of people who publish the list and invite everyone to join. Casual groups meet at each others’ homes, and whoever is hosting gets to choose the book to read and provide dinner as well. This type is usually exclusive and people are brought in by other members of the group.
We are a blend. We’re formal, where we’ve chosen the book (it was voted on by the entire committee); and we’re casual, where all those participating in Foolscap can join us. Food and socializing happens during the whole convention. In a way, Foolscap is just like a huge Reading Group!
We’ve noticed that during many of our book-oriented panels we spend a lot of time trying to explain what the book or story we’re referencing is about—and sometimes we lose our audience or our train of thought about whatever point we wanted to make! But if everyone who sits in has read the book, we all can get down to the nitty gritty of just dissecting the hell out of a really interesting book. We may have a panelist or two to help direct the group or ask questions to get the discussion rolling and keep things on track), but we want everyone to participate.
Past books we have read and discussed are:
- Foolscap VIII: Woman on the Edge of Time by Marge Piercy
- Foolscap IX: The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein
- Foolscap 10: Deryni Rising, by Katherine Kurtz
- Foolscap 11: Legacy, by Greg Bear
If you would like to recommend a book for Foolscap 12, please contact us.